CNBCHome equity is back, and headed for the bathroom — or the kitchen or the garage or wherever today's homeowners see the greatest returns.
Higher home prices have given people cash back and they are putting that cash to work in more — and bigger — remodeling projects.
Growth in home improvement and repair expenditures will reach 8 percent by the start of 2017, according to a new report from Harvard's Joint Center for Housing. That is far beyond its 4.9 percent historical average.READ MORE

ReutersU.S. consumer confidence held steady in July and new single-family home sales hit their highest level in nearly 8-1/2 years in June, suggesting sustained momentum in the economy that could allow the Federal Reserve to raise interest rates this year.
Other data on Tuesday showed moderate gains in house prices in May, which should support consumer spending and keep home purchasing affordable, especially for first-time buyers who have started venturing into the housing market.READ MORE

.

PRODUCT SHOWCASE

Jamsill Guard® Sill Pan Flashing Jamsill Guard® is an adjustable sill pan flashing designed to prevent water damage from window and door leaks. Made from high impact ABS plastic, Jamsill Guard® will not deteriorate or corrode over time. Our multi-piece telescoping design allows on-site adjustability to fit all rough openings and features sloped weep areas to help evacuate moisture to the exterior of the structure. Jamsill Guard® is bonded together on site using PVC cement, creating a one-piece sill pan flashing beneath your door or window.

Construction DiveRob O'Dwyer doesn't think of his position as Director of Admissions and Student Success at the North Bennett Street School in Boston as a job but something more akin to a vocation. The 135-year-old school, which focuses on adult career education, boasts a 20 percent enrollment of veterans, giving O'Dwyer "skin in the game" as he said his father is a disabled Vietnam veteran.
According to a U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs May 2016 report, most veterans secured jobs in management, sales or some other administrative position, but only a small percentage chose the construction trades. READ MORE

EHS TodayAll it takes is one workplace safety or employee health violation to severely hinder a business's financial standing.
With OSHA's near-80 percent fine increase going into effect August 1, and its more rigorous inspections process, it could be even more crippling to try to stay up to code. Until very recently, a serious OSHA violation penalty stood at $7,000.
New rules now in effect have increased the fine to $12,600. When it comes to willful and repeat violations, penalties have gone up from $70,000 to $126,000 per violation. For small or medium sized business, it could spell the end.READ MORE

Associated General Contractors of America via For Construction ProsAlthough construction employment increased in 39 states between June 2015 and June 2016, half the states shed construction jobs between May and June, according to Associated General Contractors of America analysis of Labor Department data. Association officials said the flattening of monthly employment gains and losses indicates the urgency of beefing up programs to attract, train and retain construction workers.
READ MORE

Business.comSocial media marketing has grown to be exceptionally popular, but in some ways, it's a necessity for the modern business world.
People turn to social media to find information now more than ever, and if your business doesn't have a social media presence, you'll be seen as out of touch.
Indeed, most companies now have a social media presence on some level, the same way they have a website.READ MORE